Gordon Charity Cup Final

Craggs Farm  1    Viewpoint  3

Saturday, 19 April 2008

A sizeable crowd defied the pouring rain and wind at the AEI Henley sports ground to see Viewpoint earn a 3-1 victory against Craggs Farm in the Gordon Charity Cup final.

 

Referee Kevin Bolton got the game under way to give these great rival teams the chance to win this coveted cup, first played for in 1922. The two sides found the conditions made for a fast game with the ball skidding off the wet ground.

 

Both keepers, Wayne Fields for Craggs Farm and Scott Goodwin for Viewpoint, were called on to make fine saves but there was no scoring in the early exchanges.

 

Viewpoint were awarded a penalty after 25 minutes and Goodwin ran the length of the pitch to take the kick. Although he was thwarted by his opposite number Fields who made a fine stop, Goodwin followed up and lobbed the ball into the Craggs net.

 

Viewpoint increased their lead 10 minutes later when Aaron Brown climbed the highest to nod home from a corner.

 

The game livened up in the second half and Mr Bolton had to administer a few yellow cards to each side.

 

Craggs Farm went all out on the attack in an attempt to claw their way back in the game and midway through the half they were successful when Tony Swann fired home.

 

Viewpoint's defence came under a lot of pressure, but with central defender Peter Finan outstanding, the Craggs team had their attacks snuffed out.

 

At the other end, Viewpoint's attack was also being stopped by the hard working pair of Steve Cook Junior and Rob Clerkson.

 

With both teams tiring, Viewpoint wrapped up the game when James Green scored a decisive third to seal victory.

 

Competition secretary Bill Baldwin gave thanks to all who took part in the final and presented the trophy to Viewpoint's Martin Brown and Dominic Hewitt to the loud cheers of their supporters.